In a significant milestone for representation, Disney-Pixar has unveiled its very first self-identified lesbian character in the upcoming animated film, Onward. This exciting news comes after years of speculation regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ characters in Disney-Pixar projects. While hints of same-sex couples appeared in films like Finding Dory and Toy Story 4, and Queen Elsa from Frozen sparked discussions about her potential sexuality, these themes were never explicitly addressed until now.
Lena Waithe will lend her voice to the character of Officer Specter, a Cyclops police officer, marking a groundbreaking moment in animation. Producer Kori Rae shared the news with Yahoo Entertainment, explaining that the character’s portrayal was a natural fit for the story. “The scene, when we wrote it, was kind of fitting and it opens up the world a little bit, and that’s what we wanted,” Rae stated. Director Dan Scanlon also emphasized the importance of reflecting today’s diverse society, saying, “It’s a modern fantasy world, and we want to represent the modern world.”
Onward, featuring the voices of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland as two elf brothers, is set in a fantastical universe filled with wizards and centaurs who have lost touch with their magical heritage. Waithe’s character, while having a smaller role, addresses her sexuality in a humorous line: “My girlfriend’s daughter got me pulling my hair out.” This adds a personal touch that resonates with Waithe’s own trailblazing journey in the entertainment industry.
In 2017, she became the first African American woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for an episode of Master of None, which was inspired by her own coming-out experiences. During her acceptance speech, she acknowledged her sexuality and thanked her then-partner, while uplifting her “LGBTQIA family.” “The things that make us different, those are our superpowers,” she proclaimed, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique identities.
Mark your calendars: Onward hits theaters on March 8. For more insights on LGBTQ representation in media, check out this related post on home insemination.
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In summary, Lena Waithe’s role as Officer Specter in Disney-Pixar’s Onward marks a historic moment for LGBTQ representation in animated films, highlighting the shift towards inclusivity in mainstream media.
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